Emma Parnell, is a native Texan born in Houston. Her family and herself moved to Nashville Tennessee and then Denver Colorado where she danced competitively from ages three to eleven. After several years of dancing competitively, Emma and her family moved to Jacksonville Florida. Here, Emma found herself at The Florida Ballet where she decided to start taking ballet to a pre professional level. Over the course of four years she worked through the various levels provided in the conservatory program. At The Florida Ballet she was under the direction of Linda Jenkins, Roberto Forelo, Dierdre Burger, and a multitude of other wonderful artists and teachers. After four years  spent at The Florida Ballet she moved to Chicago. In Chicago she joined A&A Ballet’s Youth Company under the direction of Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik for two years. Some of Emma’s favorite roles she has performed has been the “Sugar Plum Fairy”  and “Clara” in Alexei Kremnev’s “Art Deco Nutcracker”.  As well as the role of “Lead Dragonfly” in the Florida Ballets “Cinderella”. This year will be Emma’s first season with the company. She looks forward to further developing her skills and experience as a dancer.